Picture used for illustrative purpose only.

Medical professionals in the UAE unquestionably deserve huge praise for their relentless and valiant efforts to combat the spread of coronavirus, COVID-19, which has launched a war against humanity.

They are true heroes who have risen to the occasion and doing their best to ensure public safety.

The UAE health authorities have heeded global calls to mobilise action plans, coordinating with various authorities within the country, and ensuring cross-governmental involvement to control the pandemic.

Working long hours and staying away from their families, doctors, nurses, paramedics and healthcare professionals remain in the front lines to cater to the needs of patients and their dedication is matchless and inspiring.

Emergency teams work round-the-clock to monitor emerging cases in collaboration with hospitals and health centres across the country.

Medical efforts are focused on implementing preventative measures in line with the World Health Organisation’s rules and regulations.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai has reaffirmed the government’s unwavering support to medical teams in the country’s fight against the pandemic.

As Dr Sara Kazim, Head of the Emergency Department at Rashid Hospital, pointed out, teams at the emergency centre are ready to provide all kinds of medical services and supplies if the demand increased.

At a time when some 1.7 billion people have been asked to stay home in over 50 countries and territories around the world as governments battle the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the globe, the UAE has been taking all the correct steps to tackle the situation.

UAE hospitals have increased their capacities, providing more hospital beds, critical care facilities and prepared medical cadres to tackle and contain any emerging situations.

The Dubai Health Authority’s, DHA Emergency Centre receives coronavirus patients from all over the country, placing them in quarantine and providing necessary medical care.

It also conducts tests and monitors suspected cases, in addition to testing people in contact with diagnosed patients and placing them under medical supervision. The centre also monitors the quarantine process, placing patients in specialised centres.

Over the past few weeks, the UAE has implemented a number of preventative measures to contain the spread of the COVID-19 including distance learning in schools and universities across the country, work from home policies, and flight suspensions.

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention and the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority, NCEMA, have also taken timely measures by ordering the closure of commercial centres and shopping malls, excluding grocery stores and pharmacies for a renewable period of two weeks.

People have a major role to play and the community should follow and commit to the instructions and procedures of relevant authorities that aim to counter the virus.

Residents and visitors should heed appeals by officials to avoid leaving their homes unless it is necessary to buy essential items. It is necessary to maintain social distances.

As Sheikh Mohammed earlier stated: “Coronavirus is a health virus, an economic virus, and a political virus too... and we say to all the countries of the world: It is the time for unity, cooperation and solidarity to fight the worst enemy of humankind. All differences diminish in the face of this challenge and the world can overcome it faster if the strong stood with the weak and the rich with the poor.”